Efficiency of applying platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the regeneration of tendinopathy: a systematic review study

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1594382417041

• Palavras-chave: Regeneration, physiotherapy, platelet-rich plasma, infiltration, tendinopathies.

• Keywords: Regeneration, physiotherapy, platelet-rich plasma, infiltration, tendinopathies.

• Abstract:

  Introduction: The tendon is a fundamental tissue for providing lever movements in the joints, absorbing impacts and stabilizing the joint and, due to its high demands, it becomes susceptible to overuse injuries, called tendinopathies. In this context, it is necessary to understand the efficiency of interventions aimed at regenerating this tissue, such as the infiltration of platelet-rich plasma. Objective: The present study aimed to systematically review the literature in order to elucidate the methods of preparing platelet-rich plasma and their effectiveness in the regeneration of tendinopathies. Methodology: To carry out this study, a systematic review of the literature was carried out, using as a basis the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis, and adopting the following descriptors from the Medical Subject Headings, in English: platelet-rich plasma (plasma rich in platelets), physiotherapy, tendinopathy and tendon injury, in the Pubmed electronic database. Results: In this study, 4 articles were selected, 3 of which showed significant efficacy in improving function and pain in the injured limb after the application of PRP (GAUTAM, et al, 2015; CAI, et al, 2019; KAMBLE, et al, 2022), however, the study by Keene et al, (2019), did not detect a significant improvement with the use of PRP in relation to placebo, considering that the application of PRP in this study was guided only by the doctor's palpation. Discussion: In the studies by Gautam et Al, (2015), Cai et Al, (2019) and Kamble et Al, (2022) US-guided application was used, demonstrating more positive results compared to the study by Keene et Al, (2019), which used the application guided by the doctor's palpation. Regarding the preparation method, the double centrifugation demonstrated in the studies by Cai et Al, (2019) and Kamble et Al, (2022), was also associated with greater benefits compared to a single centrifugation in the study by Keene et Al, (2019). Conclusion: Most studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of using PRP in the regeneration of tendinopathies. The preparation method involving double centrifugation and US-guided application presents more positive results compared to the preparation technique involving only one centrifugation and application guided by the doctor's palpation. More studies are needed to verify the possible role of temperature in the preparation, PRP activation and duration of injury.